KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Treasury Head and Ethekwini Mayor donated shoes to needy learners
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Head of Treasury, Mr Simiso Magagula, and eThekwini Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo, donated more than 200 pairs of shoes to 4 schools around the metro to ensure that needy pupils are properly shod this coming winter.
Under the auspices of Operation Sukuma Sakhe they donated 50 pairs to each of the four beneficiary schools. They are Bhekulwandle Primary School in Manzimtoti, Bavumile Jnr Primary in Umlazi, Amaoti Primary at Inanda and Ottawa Primary School in Verulem.
Addressing children at the schools, Mayor Nxumalo said the project aims to assist children from poor families. "Education is at the forefront of government priorities. We are supporting govt efforts to ensure that every child must get an education. With winter approaching we decided to give children shoes so that we create conditions conducive for effective education. The Mayor appealed to learners to respect teachers, parents and their peers and to avoid drugs”.
Magagula said that this programme is aimed at restoring the pride, dignity and hope of underprivileged learners. “This is part of the joint venture between eThekwini Metro and Provincial government to give a helping hand where we can. I have also experienced walking bare-foot to and from school, so I understand how painful it can be. We wish all the schools that we visited today well,” said Magagula.
Ottawa Primary School Principal, Ms Thokozile Msane (0722465657) said the donation came at the right time because the school is servicing the community of Zwelisha and Amawotana informal settlements.
“Eighty five (85%) of our learners are orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) as a result most of them come to school bare-footed, which is why we are so thankful for this gesture. 50 pair of shoes may look like nothing but it will go a long way to the kids whom some of them will be wearing a pair of shoes for the first time. We are grateful to the Head of Treasury and the Mayor. Hope this gesture, will also open doors to other forms of help as most of our learners do not have uniforms” said Msane.
Enquiries:
Ntokozo Maphisa, Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 773 0937
Tel: 033 846 6986
Fax: 033 846 6801/2
E-mails: ntokozo.maphisa@kzntreasury.gov.za or ntokozo.maphisa@yahoo.com
